Macquarie Island

[JoeyW]

Hi,

I am a new member, but have been asked to show a couple of pics from Macca seeing I am lucky enough to have spent a year here.

The first three are ones I like, but I can't say too much as I have a lot to learn so please C&C. All were shot with a Canon 350D with a Tamron 28-300mm Lens.

For those interested but unfamiliar with some of the wildlife on Macquarie Island, the first one is a Rockhopper Penguin, the second a juvenile Elephant seal, the third a Gentoo Penguin.

The last one is not necessarily a good pic, but just have a question on this type of bird. I had issues trying to capture the eye properly with a lot of shots of the Light Mantled Sooty Albatross. Any hints on the best way to get this would be appreciated.






This one I thought worked in B&W, happy for comments if you think otherwise.





This one is the type of bird I had issues trying to capture the eye. It is a Light Mantled Sooty Albatross.

Obviously after a year here I have a lot of pictures, these are just a couple that I like myself.

Cheers
Jodi

[Killakoala]

Wow, what a fantastic place to photograph stuff. I'd love to get there one day, but i doubt i will. How's the rabbit cull going?

I take it you're a scientist or a researcher? It's nice that you have internet access down there too. Good to see you guys and gals are being looked after.

To the photos.

I feel that the first three could be improved by not cutting bits off the animals, although thsi is less of an issue with the first one but a 'portrait' image might be nicer than shooting the penguin in 'landscape.' It would be easier to get the entire penguin in the shot. I think their feet are interesting too.

I'd love to see a closeup of the Rockhopper penguin's head. It is fascinating and very photogenic.

To get the result you want with the albatross, you might be best using a flash, but that might startle the bird. It could be worth a try though.

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing these wonderful animals with us.

[radar]

Hi Jodi,

welcome to the forums, you should enjoy your stay here.

Macquarie Island certainly looks like an amazing place both from the wildlife and geological point of view.

Same for me, I would either prefer to see the full animal or bird or as you did in the last one, a close-up portrait.

The third one is a great action shot. I would have liked to have a bit more space at the bottom and not have the penguin centred.

A bit of fill flash would help on the albatross, if you want to "light" up it's eye. Make sure to turn down the power of the flash if you are close. Positionning yourself differently in relation to the sun may also help if you cant use flash.

Looking forward to your future posts,

Cheers,

André

[radar]

Jodi,

I knew very little about the island other then it was on the way to Antarctica

So, to help others read about it, here is an informational link:
http://www-new.aad.gov.au/default.asp?casid=1691

Climate: The climate of Macquarie Island is cool, moist, windy and typically unpleasant.

Good that you have lasted that long!!

Hope you don't mind.

Cheers,

André

[Marvin]

Hi Jodi,

A great assortment of interesting creatures you have posted. I really like the first and the last. I think that you could get more "pop" from the B & W conversion with a levels adjustment as it looks a bit faded (for want of a better word).

I have the same Tamron lens for my Nikon. It was a great starter but now that I am fussier about the sharpness of my pictures I don't use it much (unless I really need the reach as my longest other lens is 200mm). I read in your other post that you were looking to get some L lenses - you will be amazed at the difference!!

Cheers,

Lee

[moz]

This one is the type of bird I had issues trying to capture the eye. It is a Light Mantled Sooty Albatross.

I assume you're not happy that it's just an inky spot on the bird?

About all I can think of is an off-camera flash unit. Canon doesn't make that easy (unless you get a 1DIII), but for a mere $80 or so you can get one of these (assuming you can use flash there at all, and you're not using a telephoto lens).

"If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa

How's about you take the seal photos then

[JoeyW]

Thanks all for the comments, taking them on board and starting to get a new concept of some of the photos I have taken and how I can improve in the future. Obviously after a year here I have quite a few photos so can't go back on them now. But now it has been pointed out, not getting all of the animal in the shot is a bit of a downfall.

Macquarie Island is probably not the place to learn about photography as you miss so many good shots by not having the skills, but it certainly is a great place to give you an incredible motivation to improve.

The wildlife and weather here is constantly changing and most of the time you do not get a second opportunity at a shot.

I am down here working (its fantastic to get paid to come to a place like this) and had no idea on the true art of photography before I arrived other than the basic point and shoot cameras. Very glad I took the step to DSLR before I arrived. Sadly it took me quite a while until I clicked on to the concept of RAW images, but have now seen the light and take all of my images in RAW now.

Have some close up shots of Penguin heads, the Royals, Rockhoppers and Kings are all pretty spectactular to photograph if you can sit out in the cold long enough. Will try to post them separately soon and look forward to the comments.

Again, I appreciate any advice, being fairly isolated here it is hard to get good C&C on your photos.